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Scenic Designer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Industrial Designer

Traverse City, MI ยท On-site

$119K/yr

Collaborates directly with the Scenic fabrication team to ensure designs are constructible and cost-effective * Supports site surveys, installations, and on-site problem-solving at event and exhibit ...

Industrial Designer

Traverse City, MI ยท On-site

$119K/yr

Collaborates directly with the Scenic fabrication team to ensure designs are constructible and cost-effective * Supports site surveys, installations, and on-site problem-solving at event and exhibit ...

Industrial Designer

Traverse City, MI ยท On-site

$119K/yr

Collaborates directly with the Scenic fabrication team to ensure designs are constructible and cost-effective * Supports site surveys, installations, and on-site problem-solving at event and exhibit ...

Apply Britten's product portfolio - large-format decal, vinyl, mesh, fabric, tension frames, BoxPop, scenic foam - to the surfaces and moments the Senior Event Designer has specified, and flag when ...

Apply Britten's product portfolio -- large-format decal, vinyl, mesh, fabric, tension frames, BoxPop, scenic foam -- to the surfaces and moments the Senior Event Designer has specified, and flag when ...

Apply Britten's product portfolio - large-format decal, vinyl, mesh, fabric, tension frames, BoxPop, scenic foam - to the surfaces and moments the Senior Event Designer has specified, and flag when ...

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Scenic Designer information

See Michigan salary details

$43.1K

$51K

$59.7K

How much do scenic designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for scenic designer in Michigan is $51,031.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $53,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a scenic designer?

A scenic designer, also known as a set designer, is a professional who creates the visual environment for stage productions, films, television shows, and other performances. They are responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of sets that reflect the story, mood, and style of the production. Scenic designers work closely with directors, lighting designers, costume designers, and other members of the production team to ensure the set complements the overall artistic vision. Their work involves creating sketches, models, and technical drawings, as well as selecting materials and collaborating with construction crews.

What does a scenic designer do?

A scenic designer typically works in the set production department for theatrical, film, or television productions. They can also work for museums, zoos, and other industries that produce special exhibits that require background scenery. Your duties and responsibilities in this career are to create scenery that mimics a physical environment, such as backgrounds used on a sound stage or theater stage, in consultation with other members of the art department and the director. From these consultations, you sketch rough drafts and, with approval from supervisors, begin to build the sets or backdrops, adding any props or fixtures necessary to complete the scene.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a scenic designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Scenic Designer, you need strong skills in visual arts, spatial design, and an understanding of theater production, typically supported by a degree in scenic or theatrical design. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and traditional drafting techniques is commonly required. Creativity, collaboration, and effective communication are vital soft skills for bringing directors' visions to life and working with production teams. These abilities ensure that the scenic environment enhances storytelling while meeting technical and logistical demands of stage productions.

How does a scenic designer typically collaborate with directors and other design departments during a production?

Scenic Designers work closely with the director to ensure the visual environment aligns with the overall artistic vision of the production. Collaboration extends to other design departments such as lighting, costume, and sound to maintain consistency and address practical needs like scene changes or actor movement. Regular meetings and design presentations are common, and Scenic Designers often adjust their plans based on feedback from the team. This collaborative process is essential for creating cohesive and functional stage environments.

What is the difference between Scenic Designer vs Set Designer?

AspectScenic DesignerSet Designer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in theater, design, or related field; experience in theater or filmBachelor's degree in theater, design, or related field; experience in film or television
Work EnvironmentTheater productions, film sets, television studiosFilm and television set construction, studio environments
Industry UsagePrimarily theater, some film and TVPrimarily film and TV, some theater
Role FocusDesigning the overall look of the scenery for stage productionsDesigning the physical environment for film and TV sets

While both Scenic Designers and Set Designers create environments for visual storytelling, Scenic Designers focus mainly on theater productions, designing scenery that enhances live performances. Set Designers typically work in film and television, creating sets that appear on camera. The roles overlap in design skills and industry knowledge but differ in their primary media and specific responsibilities.

How much do scenic designers make?

The average salary for scenic designers is around $50,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Entry-level scenic designers typically earn less, while experienced professionals working on major productions can earn higher salaries. Skills in CAD software and a strong portfolio can influence earning potential.

What do you need to be a scenic designer?

To become a scenic designer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in theater design, fine arts, or a related field. Strong skills in drawing, model-making, and knowledge of stagecraft and materials are essential, along with proficiency in design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp. Experience through internships or assistant roles is also valuable for building a portfolio and industry connections.

What are popular job titles related to Scenic Designer jobs in MI?

For Scenic Designer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Scenic Designer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,031 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Industrial Designer

Britten, Inc.

Traverse City, MI โ€ข On-site

$119K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 hours ago


Job description

Description

Britten Inc. is a world-class event fabricator, partnering with leading brands and agencies to design, engineer, and build high-impact environments that perform in the real world. For 40 years, we've combined world-class design thinking with advanced fabrication, printing, and manufacturing capabilities to deliver complex, large-scale experiences; from custom event builds and branded environments to immersive installations that bring campaigns to life.


Headquartered in Traverse City, Michigan, Britten is built for execution at the highest level. We take on ambitious, complex work and deliver it from concept through fabrication and final deployment. Our reputation has been earned through a solution-driven mindset, a commitment to precision, and the ability to turn bold ideas into fully realized physical experiences.


We are a team of builders, problem-solvers, and collaborators who thrive in fast-paced, high-expectation environments. We believe in craftsmanship, accountability, and doing whatever it takes-together-to deliver work that stands apart.

At Britten, we don't just build what's been done before. We build what's next.


Learn more at www.britteninc.com

What We Seek...

We are looking for a career-minded Industrial Designer to develop innovative designs to support our diverse product offerings. The Industrial Designer will work independently and as a member of the team, developing designs from concept to reality. Additionally, the Industrial Designer will provide design leadership to the organization and its subsidiaries.


This position requires a detail-oriented and creative individual. The work involves adapting proven products to new projects and developing new solutions where needed. There is a focus on self-direction, freedom of ideas, and creative solutions.ย 


The Industrial Designer position will be rewarding to someone with an aptitude for creativity, leadership and a resourceful mindset. The right candidate will have a professional demeanor and make sound, well thought-out decisions to ensure internal and external client needs are met.


Job Summary and Job Functionsย 

  • Consistently and efficiently developed innovative designs and processes to support the growth of the organizationย 
  • Provide design leadership to the organization and its subsidiariesย 
  • Manages the design aspects of a project from start to finishย 
  • Designs client solutions using all Britten product lines to support a wide range of clients, events, and complex projects
  • Creates 2D and 3D CAD models and drawings to support the manufacture of productsย 
  • Masters Britten Inc software systems, processes and procedures quickly, and consistently shares ideas for improvementย 
  • Continuously seeks out ways to increase the profitability of the organizationย 
  • Maintains a high level of respect and communication with internal and external clients
  • Has an intimate knowledge of their projects throughout all stages of planning and production ย 
  • Utilizes current industry trends, materials, and technologies to provide the client with creative solutionsย 
  • Designs themed and branded environments, exhibits, and event activations for the Scenic divisionย 
  • Produces fabrication-ready shop drawings that translate concept designs into buildable scenic elementsย 
  • Collaborates directly with the Scenic fabrication team to ensure designs are constructible and cost-effectiveย 
  • Supports site surveys, installations, and on-site problem-solving at event and exhibit locationsย 
  • Align with and believe in the company core values: We Say Yes, We Hustle, We Think Bigger, We Keep Promises, We Build People Up

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to be exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope of the position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design preferred or Bachelor's Degree in related engineering or design fields considered with appropriate experienceย 
  • Proficient using Rhino and Microsoft Office Products; proficiency in Inventor Pro strongly preferredย 
  • Experience in other CAD software strongly considered
  • Proficiency in CAM software and manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC programming and toolpath generation) strongly preferredย 
  • Fabrication, manufacturing, assembly, and/or construction experience preferred; background in theatrical scenic design, exhibit design, or museum fabrication a plus, along with working knowledge of materials such as steel, wood, foam, and paint/finish systemsย 
  • Sees challenges as opportunities and enjoys discovering solutions to overcome themย 
  • Strong attention to detailย 
  • Positive and professional attitudeย 
  • Excellent written and oral communication skillsย 
  • Self-motivated with ability to work independentlyย 

Physical Demands and Work Environment

  • Office environment working atmosphereย 
  • Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments ย 
  • Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods ย ย 
  • Moving about accomplishing tasks or moving from one worksite to another ย 
  • Communicating with others to exchange information ย 
  • Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingersย 
  • Performing and assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness work ย 
  • Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standingย 
  • Light work that includes moving or adjusting objects up to 20 poundsย 
  • Travel as required to support event activationsย 

Compensation and Benefits

A competitive hourly rate and/or salary is being offered and a full benefits package for all full-time positions. Benefits Package Highlights:ย 

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance coverage options
  • 401K with employer match of contribution (Employer match equal to 50% of contributions to the plan, up to 6% of employee's pay)ย 
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off (Full time employees)ย 
  • Educational Assistance
  • Life Insurance-company providedย 
  • Reimbursement for safety glasses and/or work boots (if position requires and qualifies) Company provided safety, skill development and/or leadership training opportunities

Britten, Inc. and its affiliates are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristics as protected by federal, state or local law. Britten, Inc. is a drug free employer.ย